Nissan JUKE restyled

The 2015 Nissan Juke will deliver a number of changes when it arrives in dealerships late March – for a price. Previously the entry-level JUKE ST was pegged at $22,090, but that has now increased by $1400 to $23,490 – although a more advanced and efficient engine now powers the base model.

Dubbed the 1.2-litre DIG-T turbo-petrol engine, it was developed by the Renault-Nissan alliance and gives the entry-level JUKE an 85kW/190Nm punch, while using less fuel – now just 5.6L/100km – than the previous base model 1.6.

The 1.2 four-cylinder turbo engine also gets an engine stop-start system to save fuel when stationary, with CO2 emissions of 129g/km.

Also available in the Renault Clio, the 1.2-litre engine is only available with a manual gearbox in the JUKE – if you want an automatic CVT you'll have to step up to the $24,490 1.6-litre version of the ST, running the same 86kW/158Nm engine as before.

The range-topping 1.6-litre DIG-T model, priced from $29,790, has been "further improved to deliver lower end torque below 2000rpm" says Nissan. That stronger torque is produced by means of higher compression ratio, low friction technologies and cooled exhaust gas recirculation. Peak power and torque are unchanged at 140kW/240Nm.

Except for the range-topping $33,490 Ti-S automatic Nissan JUKE, which is the only all-wheel drive variant in the range, JUKE models now get 40 per cent more boot space, up to 354 litres. The rearranged cargo area also features a dual-level floor.

The updated JUKE also boasts a subtle new exterior style – not that it needed it. The dramatic tri-tier light array remains, albeit massaged to incorporate "bi-intensity" LED daytime running lights. Ti-S models now get Xenon projector-beam head lights and changes to the SUV's grille.

There are also three new colours – Bumblebee Yellow, Magnetic Red and Ink Blue – and new alloy wheel designs.

All models come with wing mirrors featuring integrated LED indicators and range-topping Ti-S models feature around-view cameras as standard, providing a 360-degree view around the car to improve parking.

Top-shelf models also feature advanced NissanConnect telematics, allowing users to send navigation destinations to their car remotely via smart phone, and also operate a range of social media apps.

The Nissan JUKE proved to be a handy niche seller for the importer in 2014, with total sales of 2812 vehicles matching up well against the Nissan Qashqai's 3973 sales. That said, both models combined accounted for 8.4 per cent of the compact SUV market, comprehensively outsold by segment leader, Hyundai ix35, with 17,922 vehicles finding homes in 2014, or 22.2 per cent of the market.

Richard Emery, Managing Director and CEO of Nissan Australia, had this to say about the impending update: "This updated vehicle refines a great formula that makes the JUKE even more appealing to Australian consumers in the market for a bold, performance inspired drive."